NOW unto the last and final part of the job
seeking process: interview.
If you have passed the application process
through the hiring manager and the examination (if there’s any) then you are
now moving to the “main event” of your job application.
Your interview may be done either one-on-one
or panel and as per experience, the latter is the scariest (obviously).
So to cap-off this job-seeking series, here
are five handy tips you might consider for your next job interview.
1. Be
Early
- Don’t hit that snooze button on your big
day! Coming to the venue ahead of time gives you enough room to freshen up and
calm your nerves before the interview proper.
Most people nowadays forget the
value of being punctual but this is one of the most appreciated qualities of a
lot of employers.
2. Dress
Appropriately
-Your getup on that day basically depends on
the position that you are applying for (e.g. fashion consultant) but usually
the safest choice will always be smart casual.
Avoid being too formal or too
casual, I suggest sticking to your basic white polo, blazer, black slacks and
black shoes (heeled for girls).
Also, Get enough sleep and eat something before your
interview.
3. Prepare
a script or advance answers for possible questions
-In every interview, an employer will always
ask about your background so instead of just winging it prepare a script so you
will be guided and not babble throughout your interview. Some basic questions
include:
*Why do you want to join our company?
*What do you know about our company?
*Why should we hire you?
*How do you see yourself years from now?
*What are your strengths and weaknesses?
As you can see, other than personal things
most of the employer’s questions tend to focus more on your knowledge about
their company. Doing your research will definitely help you ace that job!
4.Focus
on your accomplishments and how you can contribute to the company
-Yes, we may love talking about our
achievements but we should not forget that in an interview, the employer is
only interested about what our contribution will be to their company should
they decide to hire you. Don’t forget to be courteous and polite at all times
and avoid arguing with your interviewer. Create bridges of connection and don’t
burn them.
5.
Be confident and alert
-The last thing that you want to do during an
interview is panic because you don’t have an answer. Your interviewer may be
very intimidating but the key to conquering that is staying calm and listening
so you would understand the questions. Sit up straight during the interview and
always maintain eye contact.
Additional tip: Don’t forget to say a prayer,
hug your mom or a friend before and after the interview. A little moral support
would be a great help at this moment.
That’s it for the “Job Seeking 101” series,
always stay alert in job postings, learn from your previous mistakes and keep
on learning. You can do it!
-Kriztja :)
(disclaimer: all images in this post
are not mine)
*As published in Sun.Star Davao*
Posts
As I think the important part of an interview preparation will be the time taken to analyze the job posting, if you have it. I usually make a list of the skills, knowledge, and professional and personal qualities which will be required by the employer and will be critical for success in the job.
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